A mental health training program for community health workers in India: Impact on knowledge and attitudes

Abstract

Unmet needs for mental health treatment in low income countries are pervasive. If mental health is to be effectively integrated into primary health care in low income countries like India then grass-roots workers need to acquire relevant knowledge and skills to be able to recognise, refer and support people experiencing mental disorders in their own communities. This study aims to provide a mental health training intervention to community health workers in Bangalore Rural District, Karnataka, India, and to evaluate the impact of this training on mental health literacy.Methods: A pre-test post-test study design was undertaken with assessment of mental health literacy at three time points; bas..